Kingston Common Council OKs rules, fee for outdoor restaurant seating

KINGSTON, N.Y. -- City lawmakers have approved legislation requiring restaurant owners to get a permit for outdoor seating on city sidewalks.

The council voted 9-0 Tuesday night in favor of the legislation, which mandates restaurants pay $50 for a two-year permit and leave a 3-foot area for pedestrians.

The restaurants also must enter into an agreement with the city holding it harmless in the event of a lawsuit.

Advertisement

Alderwoman Debbie Brown, R-Ward 9, who proposed the legislation, said the version approved on Tuesday was the result of a bipartisan agreement among Common Council members.

Mayor Shayne Gallo, a Democrat, must sign the legislation for it to become law.

Alderman Bill Carey said the agreement shows the council is doing its job.

"We worked as a team," said Carey, D-Ward 6.

Brown said the legislation, which she has discussed with Uptown and Downtown restaurant owners, is designed to "promote sidewalk cafés as useful and properly planned visual amenities which better relate to the streetscape."

Those that violate the legislation could face a fine of up to $250.

Brown has noted that similar regulations are in place in many other municipalities in New York state.